One dark night and Fireflies

Blame it on my hectic traveling for posting this so late but the Music Festival at Fireflies was awesome. From 6.00 pm in the evening to 8.00 am in the next morning on the 23rd of February, some 40 kms outside Bangalore on the Kanakpura Road, music came alive. A gathering of some 4000 people in the darkness of the night under the pipal tree, music was the only binding force. My eyes were wide open all night at the musical extravaganza put together by some of the best Indian and international music groups and bands. We danced our way through in the middle of the night with some really foot tapping numbers. Dubbed as the Bangalore Woodstock, Fireflies Music Festival indeed cast a spell on me. It covered a wide range of music from Indian classical, Bengali Baul folk fusion, Qawali, Carnatic Fusion, Jazz, Mystical Sufi music and so much more. And an amazing amazing audience.

Bonny and Kartik Das Baul of Oikyotaan were at their usual best. I also liked the performance by Swarathma. They were really good. Then there was mystical sufi songs by Kabir presented by the two sisters - shit I forgot their names, grrrr. After the festival was over and my shutterbug closed, I started wondering how music in India is slowly changing, rather transforming. The sheer amount of experimentation with genres and style, fusion and fun makes it so very amazing. And how the our generation is taking it all with a big smile and bollywood style hip shake. Well, maybe I should try to write another post on the evolution of modern music in India. Now don't ask me when.

Anyways, like IIM Bangalore's Unmaad, Fireflies is another such musical event that will surely mesmerise you. So next year keep your calenders booked during the last week of February. Fireflies promises more musical extravaganza next year. As Poor planner I get most of my inspirations from this unknown events allows me not only to discover music but connect with people from all across the world. Long live music festivals in India.

Jazz Masters and Unbelong

Finally got some rest. I guess I needed this rise in temperature with a heavy head and a running nose. Complete bed rest. And after spending 48 hours surfing channels on my Onida set; I found at last, one thing that’s worth mentioning.

Yes, Jazz Masters in association with VH1 sponsored by Black & White. B&W has managed to create a brilliant property for itself. Some thinking has really gone in. B&W is for people who “Unbelong”. People who’re definitely mainstream yet they’re not necessarily from the mainstreet. The alternate seekers… ok… those who drink mixers… eh? Hmm… people who like Jazz with influences of R&B, Pop and Funk. People who Unbelong. ‘Marriage of contradictions, different from the usual,’ as the site mentions. Now that’s real brand connection.

However all my excitement turned in to disappointment when I went through the website they created for these event. It speaks everything about the event but hey I also want to know about your brand. What’s your history - your story from Scotland? Why do you want me to Unbelong, when Johnny’s asking me to keep walking? Now that’s shitty job. Honestly, I will go watch the event, be very happy, tell people about the gig and how Bob James and Earl Klugh improvised and I might even blog about it. But I shall not tell anyone about the B&W brand. What a pity?

Isn't the idea of using event/surrogate to promote the B&W brand?? Don’t get me wrong but half done things as final product really pisses me. Either you do it thoroughly. Or you don’t do at all.

Now here’s a brilliant idea. Free of cost guys. Just make sure you pay me the royalty when you implement it. Ha.

Black and White Terrier owners. Blackie and Whitey. (Someone please find me what breed are those two little cute pups?) B&W should actually promote people with pet terriers. They are people who truly Unbelong. Imagine lots of people in your city heavy petting a pair of black and white terrier. They walk on the streets, in the parks. Living brand icons. Public relation for free. Well you can tie up at dog shows. Give few bottles to the vet to spread the buzz. Even create soft toys of Blackie & Whitey for kids, whose parents drink B&W. Boo.

So next time, please do ensure that you give enough information about your brand because people might just want to know more.

Let’s have it doggy style. Cheers. Woof! Woof!!